Chapter 20 – FAMILIA MUNDIAL
1 [5] The second «we-section» of Acts begins here. See the note on ⇒ Acts 16:10-17.
2 [6] Feast of Unleavened Bread: see the note on ⇒ Luke 22:1.
3 [7] The first day of the week: the day after the sabbath and the first day of the Jewish week, apparently chosen originally by the Jerusalem community for the celebration of the liturgy of the Eucharist in order to relate it to the resurrection of Christ.
4 [10] The action of Paul in throwing himself upon the dead boy recalls that of Elijah in ⇒ 1 Kings 17:21 where the son of the widow of Zarephath is revived and that of Elisha in ⇒ 2 Kings 4:34 where the Shunamite woman’s son is restored to life.
5 [16-35] Apparently aware of difficulties at Ephesus and neighboring areas, Paul calls the presbyters together at Miletus, about thirty miles from Ephesus. He reminds them of his dedication to the gospel (⇒ Acts 20:18-21), speaks of what he is about to suffer for the gospel (⇒ Acts 20:22-27), and admonishes them to guard the community against false prophets, sure to arise upon his departure (⇒ Acts 20:28-31). He concludes by citing a saying of Jesus (⇒ Acts 20:35) not recorded in the gospel tradition. Luke presents this farewell to the Ephesian presbyters as Paul’s last will and testament.
6 [28] Overseers: see the note on ⇒ Philippians 1:1. The church of God: because the clause «that he acquired with his own blood» following «the church of God» suggests that «his own blood» refers to God’s blood, some early copyists changed «the church of God» to «the church of the Lord.» Some prefer the translation «acquired with the blood of his own,» i.e., Christ.